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26 CONCRETE COVERED 2017 COATINGSPROMAG.COM
that folds itself back into its own matrix, which can then be
completely densified. Refining or polishing dry will not allow
the surface of the overlay to be fully processed, as there is
no slurry to fill in the voids. Dry processing, therefore, may
require the use of acrylic or latex-based grouts to fill those
pits. ese types of grouts have fantastic temporary aesthetic
applications, but because they are not cement-based, they will
not react with densifiers to create the C-S-H (calcium silicate
hydrate) bond, which ultimately gives the floor its long-term
strength and beauty.
Using wet refinement on your project site may also be
helpful in meeting new Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) regulations that limit silica dust
exposure to construction personnel. In lieu of a polishing
process, you may also choose to stamp your overlay with
similar texture-stamp mats used for concrete. ese can be
deployed to produce textures that mimic brick, stone, or
other custom finishes. Finally, color applications (e.g., stains,
dyes, and pigments) can be used to enhance the look of the
floor as well as aggregates usually associated with epoxy
terrazzo-like finishes.
W hile maintenance for concrete overlays is dependent
on exposure conditions and the amount or type of traffic
overlays receive, they will always require routine mainte-
nance to sustain their aesthetic and physical performance
benchmarks. For interior floors, wet mopping or dry dust
mopping is needed to keep the floors clean and free from
grit and other abrasive contaminants that can damage the
floor. You should also consider using cleansers that will not
break down the floor through chemical etching (i.e., chemical
attacks on the C-S-H binders). Check with the manufacturer
for recommended maintenance, but be wary of manufacturers
making claims of " little or no" maintenance.
Surface Possibilities
Floors are the most "abused" surfaces in most facilities, and
they need to be cared for regularly. You can use cement-based
overlays to create beautiful, durable surfaces, but you need to
be sure to choose the right system for your project, install it
properly, and maintain the floors correctly after installation. CP
Austin Morrison, ISCS, is a veteran f loor ing cont ractor and par t ner at
Elegant Pol ishing out of New Haven, C T. He has e x tensive e x per ience w it h
pol ishing and overlay f loor ing systems in t he commercia l const r uct ion market.
He has a lso been a technica l lead and inst r uctor for t he Inter nat iona l Societ y of
Const r uct ion Sciences (ISCS). For more infor mat ion, contact: Elegant Concrete
Pol ishing , info@elegant pol ishing.com
Concrete Overlay
When dealing with cement-based overlays, it's important to use many
of the same procedures that are used when creating a concrete slab.
Rock, glass, and other decorative aggregates may be added to
cement-based overlays to add variety to your floor design
Protecting and maintaining overlays can just be as important as how
they're created. Floors are often the most "abused" surfaces, so they
should be cared for properly.